Bill Burr Defends Riyadh Comedy Festival Appearance, Calls Critics “Sanctimonious”
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Comedian Bill Burr has defended his participation in the recent Riyadh comedy festival, dismissing criticism as “sanctimonious” and “phoney.” The festival, which featured a lineup of prominent American comedians, drew widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and LGBTQ+ advocates due to Saudi Arabia‘s restrictive laws and human rights record.
The controversy ignited after fellow comedian Ice Posey’s set included a graphic joke about Saudi Arabian families, described as “fucking grabbing moms and dads and sticking them in a van for making illegally made fucking tacos” and “fucking insane.” Jessica Kirson, a lesbian comic who also performed, later expressed “sincere regret” but stated her intention was to “help LGBTQ+ people in Saudi Arabia feel seen and valued,” despite the fact that LGBTQ+ individuals face potential execution under Saudi law.
Burr responded to the backlash by criticizing those he termed “hardcore psycho gays.”
Other comedians on the lineup also addressed the controversy. Hasan Minhaj’s initial set sparked debate, and he later explained to his aunt, who lived in Saudi Arabia, that it was unfair to ascribe the government’s actions to the entire population, stating, “there’s people over there that don’t agree with the stuff that the government’s doing.” He added that the festival could help “push things to be more open and to push a dialogue” and pledged a portion of his fee to organizations supporting free press and human rights in the region.
Louis C.K. described the festival as “a good opportunity” and asserted that “comedy is a great way to get in and start talking.”
Human Rights Watch attempted to engage with the comedians prior to the event, seeking their advocacy for detained Saudi activists, but received no response. Joey Shea, Saudi Arabia researcher for the organization, stated, “The seventh anniversary of jamal Khashoggi’s brutal murder is no laughing matter, and comedians receiving hefty sums from Saudi authorities shouldn’t be silent on prohibited topics in Saudi like human rights or free speech.”
The festival took place against a backdrop of escalating human rights concerns in Saudi Arabia.Human Rights Watch reported in August 2025 that Saudi authorities had executed at least 241 people that year, a rate that, if continued, would surpass all previous annual records.
